January 15, 2020. Amid a festive celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our sixth ocean vessel was officially named in Los Angeles, California. The ship’s godmother, world-renowned Norwegian soprano and crossover singer Sissel, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Jupiter—a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.

You are cordially invited to bring home Downton Abbey! Viking is a proud partner of Focus Features’ hit film and we are excited to announce its upcoming release this holiday season, on digital November 27 and Blu-ray™ & DVD December 17. This partnership continues our long history with Downton Abbey and our expanded programs with Highclere Castle and the Carnarvon family.

Using time-honored techniques perfected in the Far East and Africa, island artists produce distinctive batik garments with a Caribbean flair. Discover the steps they take to create elaborate designs on fabric.

History, culture and friends—all rolled into one delicious and creative feast. Explore the floating markets along the Mekong Delta and master the culinary art of rolling your very own Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Karine.

Discover the remarkable life and times of revered British statesman Sir Winston Churchill. During this 5-night London extension with Viking, gain Privileged Access to Cabinet War Rooms; visit Churchill’s private Chartwell estate and his birthplace at Blenheim Palace; learn how the British broke the Nazis’ secret code at Bletchley Park and much more.

We are pleased to partner with the iconic London bookshop Heywood Hill in the creation of our onboard libraries and Expeditions Recommended Reading lists. Chairman Nicky Dunne explains the history of this literary institution and the value of reading carefully selected books before embarking on your journey.

From the writer and director of Downton Abbey comes the first theatrical release from MASTERPIECE FILMS | PBS. Based on Laura Moriarty’s beloved New York Times best-selling novel, The Chaperone reunites the writer (Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes), director (Michael Engler) and star (Elizabeth McGovern) of Downton Abbey for an immersive and richly emotional period piece featuring the story of Louise Brooks, the 1920s silver screen sensation who epitomized the restless spirit of the Jazz Age. In theaters March 29, 2019.

Centuries ago, the birth of the Viking Age gave rise to the Norwegian tradition of exploration. Today, Viking proudly carries on this tradition, providing a glimpse into the spirit of Norway with elegant ships built for discovery. Join Karine Hagen, Sr. Vice President of Viking, as she reveals Norwegian influences thoughtfully integrated throughout our ocean ships.

Our award-winning Viking ocean fleet not only provides serene Scandinavian spaces, but also the first-ever true (two-room) suites—some of the largest at sea. When you reserve a Viking Suite, you enjoy added benefits, from more space and comfort to early check-in and priority reservations. Learn more about what the Viking Suite Collection has to offer.

Whether you choose to travel with Viking by river or by sea, we bring you closer to your destinations on state-of-the-art ships. In addition to our refined onboard ambience and understated elegance, we are known for our graceful staterooms, including the first-ever true (two-room) suites. From more space and comfort to additional features and amenities, discover the benefits of reserving a Viking Suite.

June 14, 2018. Amid a spectacular celebration that paid tribute to the spirit of exploration, our fifth ocean vessel was officially named in Livorno, Italy. The ship’s godmother, retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Orion—a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years.

May 10, 2018. The 930-guest Viking Jupiter—the sixth Viking ocean ship—touches water for the first time during its “Float Out” in Ancona, Italy. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, the ship’s godmother, as they celebrate this major construction milestone.

March 8, 2018. During the inaugural 2018 Viking World Cruise, our fourth ocean vessel is officially named on Shanghai’s historic Bund. Viking Sun’s stop in Shanghai marks the first time a Viking ocean ship has called in China, and the first time a cruise ship is named on the Bund.

Our 128-day world cruise from Miami to London builds on the legacy of the Vikings who boldly explored the four corners of the globe. Collect more travel milestones in one journey than most do in a lifetime on this grand voyage of discovery.

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

September 28, 2017. The 930-guest Viking Orion—the fifth Viking ocean ship—touches water for the first time during its “Float Out.” Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher, the ship’s godmother, as they celebrate this major construction milestone.

Majestic vistas and tranquil waters. Norway is home to some of the world’s best fishing and there are many ways to test your skill. Join Karine as she shares a few of the ways locals practice their craft.

Step inside the hallowed halls of London’s Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded nearly all their hits. Join Karine as she shares the process of transforming an original composition into a powerful piece of recorded music.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind interactive culinary journey at The Kitchen Table, where you will learn to prepare regional cuisine with our world-class chefs, plate and present your dishes, and enjoy a private meal.

We launched Viking Ocean Cruises to reinvent the category. And it didn’t take long for us to rise to the top. If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, the world’s best ocean cruise line was created for you.

June 22, 2017. Viking Sky, the third elegant sister ship in our ocean fleet, is christened in Tromsø, Norway, a popular destination for viewing the Northern Lights—and a key port of call on our Into the Midnight Sun itinerary.

The National Symphony Orchestra of London records Viking’s beautiful new music score at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Written by Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM Composer in Residence, “The Traveler” was created to celebrate the company’s 20th Anniversary, its spirited theme reflecting the exploration and discovery found on Viking voyages.

Get closer to Michelangelo’s towering David, a masterpiece both revered and reviled by Florentine citizens over the centuries. Join Karine in Galleria dell'Accademia as she meets the woman behind the restoration of this remarkable sculpture.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at a most unusual profession: Norwegian aquaculture, once a small industry in the 1970s, is now one of its greatest exports. Join Karine for an introduction to this fascinating world.

A Telemark, Norway native, Gulleik Svalastog dreamed of the day when he would be captain of his own ship. After years of nautical experience, he saved his best sailing experience for last: commanding Viking Star.

Join Karine as she explores the origin of this much-loved shoe known as Weejuns in America, so named in honor of its Norwegian ancestry. Learn how it made its way to America and how it played a role in Norway’s World War II history.

Journey by water and over land to learn about Copenhagen’s must-see sights from the colorful Nyhavn (New Harbor) to Amalienborg Palace, the winter home of the Danish royal family, Carlsberg Brewery and more.

Join two shrimp-peeling experts as they demonstrate their different methods. Try both and see which technique works for you. Then savor your hard-earned meal with white bread and a glass of chilled white wine!

Should you wish to familiarize yourself with your ship before traveling, you can download our free app before you go. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of our Scandinavian public spaces, with insightful commentary from your host, Karine Hagen. Once on board, you can use the app to enjoy a self-guided tour of our Nordic art collection, the finest at sea.

On January 15, 2020, Chairman Torstein Hagen provided an update on our river and ocean cruise business before officially unveiling the details of Viking Expeditions and our new journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to home.